Many of us have been using matches for years. We use them to light candles when the power goes out. We use them to light a fire in our wood stoves. We also have a stockpile of them for when a collapse occurs. However, there is a history of matches that most people don't know. What you will read about below is amazing!

Three Things You Might Not Know About Matches Are:

1. Matches Are Old
Matches became common and affordable in the 1800’s, but they predate that time period by more than a millennium. The early Chinese were using a crude sulfur match as far back as the year 577, according to several Chinese chroniclers.
2. Matches Aren’t Just Sticks
The historic term “match” refers to rope or cord with a smoldering ember at the end. These glowing cords were used to fire guns and cannon. There have been many versions of these smoldering cords, some with chemicals added to speed up the burn. The word “match” comes from the Old French word “mèche”, which means candle wick.

3. Matches Are the Result Of Alchemy
European alchemist Hennig Brandt discovered how to isolate flammable phosphorus in 1669, during his quest to turn baser materials into gold. Brandt allowed a vat of urine to stand until putrid. Then he boiled down the ammonia-scented liquid, and evaporated the resulting paste. The end product was a waxy white form of phosphorus, which glowed in the dark and was highly flammable. White phosphorus was later used in 19th century matches until its toxicity became apparent.

As you can see, matches have a long history. They have been used in some form for much longer than many of us realize. They weren't always the sticks we use today. They were cords used in cannons and guns.

Finally, matches came about because of the study of alchemy. The next time you go to use a match to light a fire, you might think about all the things matches went through to become what they are now.

To find out more about matches, please visit Outdoor Life.

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